Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean have been working hard since 1991, turning up regularly to prove themselves faithful through a musical ministry that has won them scores of faithful fansnot to mention 18 No. 1 singles, several Dove Award nominations and sales near the 2 million mark. Known for their ability to write songs the church loves to sing (including Mercy Came Running and Crucified With Christ), this trio brings an experience and maturity to todays modern worship movement, enhanced no doubt by their day jobs as pastors.
The past two releases from the group have been worship focused and this CD marks the third installment of the trilogy, making this their tenth project. Let the Worshippers Arise finds Phillips Craig & Dean continuing to deliver vertical worship that, above all else, seeks to connect Christians with their Creator.
While Phillips, Craig & Dean have proven themselves consistent through the years, there is also much thats new in the life of this timeless group. Most exciting is their move to INO Records, where they again find themselves teamed with label Founder and President Jeff Moseley. We began with Jeff 14 years ago at StarSong Records, Phillips explains. He was instrumental in signing us when we were unknown. Jeff is the one who saw a future and weve never forgotten it.
Theres also a freshness these days to their sound, something they credit in part to producer Nathan Nockels, who has been with them throughout the entire worship trilogy. We come from a real traditional get your part and belt it out kind of mindset, Craig explains. Nathan was able to get us to think outside the box. As a result, the new sound is decidedly more upbeat, while at the same time inviting those who hear it to enter into worship along with them.
On Let the Worshippers Arise, that updated sound is applied to a mixture of original and familiar songs like Awake My Soul, which Phillips wrote after being inspired by a revival at his church, and the Matt Redman classic Making Melody. Another inclusion is a medley that mirrors the 1994 Dove Song of the Year, In Christ Alone, which was originally penned by member Shawn Craig. In addition, the trio tackles The Power of the Cross, which Craig wrote with Chris Tomlin, and Because Im Forgiven, another Craig composition.
These songs are selected because people can join in with their whole hearts and sing, Phillips says. Adds Dean, With this type of project, we go in asking, How can we draw the audience closer to the presence of God? We dont want it to be about these are great songs, but this is a great God.
While the challenge of balancing local ministry with a music career can make life hectic at times, Phillips, Craig & Dean still have plenty left to say and a calling they still hear loud and clear. Everybody has a calling they must be faithful to. Ours is to call the church into a closer intimacy with Jesus and we do that through our music, Phillips says. The topics of how we should love Jesus and what He means to us are inexhaustible, and singing of His attributes is an honor that will never be exhausted.
Phillips, Craig & Dean The Highlight Reel
By the Numbers
- Let the Worshippers Arise is the groups 10th release in nearly 14 years
- The group has had a whopping 18 No. 1 songs, garnered several Dove Award nominations and took home a Dove Award for their participation in the special event album, "My Utmost For His Highest"
- Phillips, Craig & Dean have sold nearly 2 million units over the course of their career
Did You Know?
- These full-time pastors make it a priority to be at their respective churches Sunday services so they have declared a virtual moratorium on Saturday night concerts.
- Dan Dean pastors The Heartland Church in Irving, Texas, while Randy Phillips is the pastor at Austin, Texas-based Promiseland West Church and Shawn Craig is the music pastor at South County Christian Center in St. Louis, Mo., a position hes held for 25 years.
- Shawn Craig just completed his Masters of Divinity Degree at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK.
- Randy Phillips hosts a weekly local TV show titled Awakening which airs on five stations in the Austin, Texas area, as well as nationwide.
- Dan Dean's wife, Becky, was in a near-fatal car accident on New Years Eve 2002. Dan was with her through every step of her recovery, something that strengthened their relationship tremendously, and hes happy to report that she has miraculously recovered.
The Story Behind Let the Worshippers Arise
It was through Randys weekly TV program that Phillips, Craig & Dean discovered what would be the title track for their new CD. The praise & worship-themed show sought to discover the best song from an unknown songwriter with Michael Ferrin of Texarkana, Texas taking home the top prize. Once the judging was over, the top five winners came to Austin and the winning song debuted on an Awakening broadcast.
When I heard him sing it live it was one of those moments, Phillips recalls. I think when people hear it, its going to cause them to reach out to Christ with a renewed passion like theyve never had before.
In Their Own Words
- As a pastor, Im interested in people experiencing Godnot just knowing about God, but knowing God. Dan Dean
- There is something in a writers heart that burns continually. As preachers, ministers and songwriters there always seems to be a message we have that is unique for each of us. Shawn Craig
- Our local churches are our primary focus and what we do on the road is just an extension of what we do at home. The audience is our congregation. Randy Phillips
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